I have successively received your favors of the 3d 7th 8th 9th 15th 23d 25th and 26th of last Month. You having been fully instructed as to your operations and I having nothing material to communicate, was the reason of my not answering them before—While we lament the miscarriage of enterprize which bid so fair for success, we must console ourselves in the thought of having done every thing practicable to accomplish it. I am certain that the Chevalier de Touche exerted himself to the utmost to gain the Chesapeak—The point upon which the whole turned—The Action with Admiral Arbuthnot reflects honor upon the Chevalier and upon the Marine of France.

As matters have turned out it is to be wished that you had not gone out of the Elk. But I never judge of the propriety of measures by after events—Your move to Annapolis, at the time you made it, was certainly judicious.

The report of the French Fleet being off Cape Fear was erroneous—They returned to the Harbour of New port the 26th of last month.

I imagine the detachment will be upon its march this way, before this reaches you. I do not know what you will have done with your heavy Artillery—You had I think (if you should not have already got it to the Head of Christeen River) best leave it at Baltimore or at any safe place—The light pieces with the two smallest Mortars and the Ammunition and Stores belonging to them are to go to the southward with the first division of the Pennsylvanians. You will therefore leave them at some safe and proper place upon the communication and upon your arrival at Philad. inform General Wayne where they are, that he may take them along with him.

I wish the detachment may move as quickly as they can without injury to the troops.

should Count de Charlus—Count St Maime and Count Dillon be with you—You will be pleased to make my Compliments to them. I am with sincere Regard My dear Marquis Yr &c.